Nikon D7200 DX-format Review for 2017

Nikon produces one of the best DSLR cameras in the world of photography. Its solid cameras and lenses are nothing but a mark of perfection and clarity.

Nikon D7200 is one such brilliant DSLR camera and plays an incredible part in capturing the images in the best way. Nikon D7200 was released last year by Nikon as the top of the DX line of DSLR cameras.

Nikon D7200 replaces its predecessor D7100, which is a fantastic camera in all aspects. With so many camera manufacturers releasing so many cameras year after year, Nikon has its own part to play.

Compared to its previous version, D7100, the physical appearance of the camera looks the same in D7200. The height, weight, buttons, dials and layout are all the same between the two models. But internally, there are some amazing improvements.

This camera has a much improved AF system and also has incorporated the latest EXPEED 4 processor. The previous version D7100 had a very small buffer and that has been rectified in D7200. The buffer is almost three times more than the previous version. There are many other exciting new features which will be discussed in detail in this Nikon D7200 Review.

Best Features

The new features in the new Nikon D7200 are few but are significant. The new features have its own highs like Excellent stills (as with any Nikon camera), Latest customized image processor, ISO performance that is very good and certain personalized customizations. Along with it comes the Wi-Fi and NFC which is the need of the hour. Below is the list of features in D7200:

24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor

No Optical Low-Pass Filter (OLPF)

51 point autofocus system

6 frames per second (fps) shooting capacity

EXPEED 4 image processing

Built in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC) for instant sharing

24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor: CMOS sensors were introduced by Nikon for professional photography as it needs extra image quality and sensitivity. The image sensors’ functionality is that it gathers light after it passes through the lens.

When the pixels of the CMOS image sensor are more, they collect more light. The 24.2 MP DX-format CMOS image sensor is an icing on the cake. It is very impressive and the best in town.

No Optical Low-Pass Filter: This filter is used in many digital cameras in order to reduce the formation of false colours and moiré that is caused by high frequency waves in images. But with the higher resolution sensors being incorporated in latest digital cameras, the occurrence of the false colours and moiré is reduced. Thus, the need for No Optical Low-Pass filter is not there.

By removing the Optical Low-Pass filter, the sharpness of the image increases. This is what Nikon D7200 has incorporated. The new camera doesn’t have the Optical Low-Pass filter and produces sharp, pure and natural photos and videos.

51-Point Auto Focus system: The auto focus system in the new D7200 are sensitive to -3EV thus allowing to focus clearly even in very low lighting conditions. This means that the photographers can choose a variety of focus configurations. Even quick moving subjects are easily tracked with the help of the 51 area grid.

The centre rows form sensors of cross-type to detections that is so powerful. It also provides the choice of using either a single auto focus point or all the 51 of them. Single Auto focus means pinpoint accuracy which is crucial for portrait or photographing sports events. Dynamic -area auto focus is where multiple points are required in order to track moving objects. It’s just left to the user’s choice.

6fps shooting capacity and Buffer Depth: The shooting capacity of the camera is now 6fps which means that any fast action can be captured with precision and thus, it is a right choice for capturing sports, wildlife and any other activity related to speed. The fps rate is 3.1 while using the Live view mode.

Any Nikon user would have wanted the buffer depth feature. This is because the previous model D7100 had a much lesser buffer. Nikon D7200 has now filled that gap. D7200 has an increased buffer depth and now it can capture around three times as many shots continuously.

Processor: The processor used in the Nikon D7200 is the EXPEED 4 processor. This class of processor used in this specific model of camera has been tailored. This next generation processor proves its worth when it comes to power consumption. The battery life of the D7200 has improved by approximately 17% when compared to the previous model D7100. With the new processor, now it is possible to take around 1110 shots on a single charge with the same battery as used in the previous model.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication for better sharing: Nikon has, for the first time, introduced Wi-Fi wireless networking in the D7200 model. It has also introduced the Near Field Communication in order to support near pairing of Android devices. This is a big plus as its high-time to remove clumsy external devices for transferring images and files.

Once a connection is established with a smart phone or tablet to the D7200 camera, then users can browse all the photos in the camera and share it in their social networking sites. Also, any compatible smartphone can be used as a remote to control the camera – one can see what the camera focuses and click pictures. It’s that easy!

ISO Range: In challenging conditions, the ISO range of the camera is really admirable. It is wide reaching. The ranges are so flexible that it is optimal even at low lighting.

Manual Controls: The Nikon D7200 is mostly controlled manually. This means that the number of times to the menu is cut down. By holding the button meant for controlling white balance, Image format, ISO, focus mode and flash with the left hand, the user can handle the front and rear command dials with the right hand. Other commands like the exposure compensation, directional pad, Live view controls and metering mode are also controlled by the right hand. When it comes to the Control scheme, Nikon has simple nailed it down. It only a matter of time for the beginners to learn the techniques.

Video: The D7200 has a 3.5 mm headphone to help improve the audio during the capturing of the video footage. It also produces 1080p footage at 30fps. ‘Flat’ colour mode can also be used to have better colour control during post processing. The seven Picture controls are now available in both still and video modes. Other than this, the active D-lighting function, 16 scene modes and multi-shot HDR are also available.

The best feature of all is the smooth exposure variations. This is used for in-camera time lapse movies. While creating day to night time lapses, this feature makes it smoother and the ‘flickering’ effect is totally got rid of.

Negative Points

There is not much of negative points but there are few minor things (like a bulky look, no touch screen, a little bit of difficulty in focusing video in low light) that could have been taken care of.Or are they left as such on purpose?

The LCD screen of the Nikon D7200 hasn’t changed much. It is the same 3.2-inch screen and it’s relatively non dynamic. But it is still good when it comes to brighter environment. It could have been great if it were dynamic.

The display doesn’t flip out either. It also does not have any flashy add-ons to it.

The upgrade of the processor doesn’t improve the performance in any ways. You get the same 6fps as the previous model. But the processor is certainly a plus when it comes to battery life.

There is a small dip in the performance when it comes to Live View. This is because the camera switches to the contrast detecting focusing mode and one can feel the reduction in speed. When it comes to contrast detection, the camera takes one second to detect and lock but it is still accurate.

The video mode allows the user to shoot at 1080p 60 frames per second. But it also requires that 1.3x crop mode is used and only 10 minutes of capture is allowed.

Advantages Over Competition

Before talking about competition with other brands, let us see the key differences and similarities between D7200 and its previous version D7100 to be clear on why D7200 is superior in all respects.

The pixel count inn D7200 has jumped slightly from 24.1 to 24.2 and there is no significant change.

D7100 used EXPEED 3 processor. But D7200 has EXPEED 4 processor, which is the latest. The main advantage of using EXCEED 4 is to produce the best images with high ISOs and also make the processing speed of the camera better. Not only that, the battery life has increased due to this factor.

Both the cameras use pentaprism optical viewfinder and EL display element for 100% coverage and high contrast display.

Also, only in Nikon D7200, the company has incorporated Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC connectivity. D7100 did not have these features. D7100 offered wireless connectivity only through the Wu-1a adaptor which was optional. With wireless and NFC, not only is it easy to share pictures but also makes it possible to remotely control it.

The main area where D7200 shows improvement is the Auto focus. It now has a 51-point auto focus. 15 points are cross type and the centre point is sensitive to f/8 and thus, makes it useful for lens converters.

The sensitivity range of D7100 is ISO 100 – 6400 and it can be extended up to 25600. But with D7200 the range is 100 – 25600.This makes images at higher end range better in detail and with less noise.

The picture control in D7200 is good for videographers and produces a maximum dynamic range.

D7100 had a battery life of 950 shots which was impressive. With D7200, it is much more impressive with 1110 shots per charge or 80 minutes of movie recording.

Nikon D7200 is generally compared with professional DSLRs and mirrorless. Some of the common advantages over its competitors are listed below.

Advantage over entry level DSLRs are:

The image quality is better as compared to entry level DSLRs.

The screen is slightly larger.

The resolution of the screen is slightly high.

The viewfinder is slightly large.

Also, the photos taken by D7200 is of higher resolution.

Weather Sealing.

Advantage over professional level DSLRs are:

A slightly better image quality

The quality of recording movies is also slightly better when compared to its’ competitors.

The colour depth is more which is of a greater advantage.

D7200 has slightly wider dynamic range when compared to others.

The screen is larger comparatively.

Advantage over mirrorless are:

A screen is much larger

The quality type of the viewfinder is higher (it is pentaprism vs optical).

The start-up delay is much less comparatively.

There are many lenses, say around 230 lenses available as compared to the Mirrorless interchangeable lenses competitors.

Conclusion

The size of the Nikon D7200 is compact, the weight is modest. These things make the camera a good fit for hiking, shooting for a wedding or even a get together party. The body of the camera is weather sealed making it ideal for shooting in all-weather condition. The viewfinder also has 100 percent field of view which is a pleasure to view.

The buffer size has been considerably increased and is the most needed pleasant welcome to Nikon lovers. The performance of Autofocus is excellent and the images are sharp and clear when compared to other similar cameras in the market.

Though the look and feel of D7200 is same as that of D7100, one can feel the difference when they start using it. If there are consumers in the market looking for an upgrade from entry level DSLRs, then Nikon D7200 is the best choice both in terms of quality and money.